General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
Last reviewed
The short version
- Communities formed since July 2018 follow the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act; many older homeowner associations follow RCW 64.38 and older condominiums RCW 64.34.
- Owners may inspect and copy association records at reasonable times after a request.
- Board meetings are generally open to owners, and owners receive advance notice of owner meetings.
Washington has three community association statutes. Newer communities follow the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act, while many older homeowner associations and condominiums still follow earlier chapters.
Washington hoa laws at a glance
| Rule | Washington | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Communities formed since July 2018 follow the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act; many older homeowner associations follow RCW 64.38 and older condominiums RCW 64.34. | RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.34 |
| Owner access to records | Owners may inspect and copy association records at reasonable times after a request. | Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act |
| Board meeting notice | Board meetings are generally open to owners, and owners receive advance notice of owner meetings. | Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act |
The governing law
Association rules come in layers: state law first, then the declaration, the bylaws and finally board rules. A rule that conflicts with a higher layer usually fails.
Governing law. Communities formed since July 2018 follow the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act; many older homeowner associations follow RCW 64.38 and older condominiums RCW 64.34. (RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.34)
Records
Owner access to records. Owners may inspect and copy association records at reasonable times after a request. (Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act)
Board meetings
Board meeting notice. Board meetings are generally open to owners, and owners receive advance notice of owner meetings. (Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act)
Assessments, liens and collections
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Rental restrictions
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Mistakes to avoid
- Holding board decisions without the notice owners are entitled to.
- Not keeping records ready for owner requests.
- Fining owners without the notice and hearing steps in the governing documents.
- Enforcing rental rules that are not in the recorded documents.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Washington rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Washington attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.34
- Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act
Official sources
Washington forms for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
Which law governs HOAs in Washington?
Communities formed since July 2018 follow the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act; many older homeowner associations follow RCW 64.38 and older condominiums RCW 64.34. Source: RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.34.
Can Washington homeowners see association records?
Owners may inspect and copy association records at reasonable times after a request. Source: Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act.